Career Advice Talk

Worst Job Loss in 60 Years…STAY FOCUSED

2nd March, 2009 - Posted by Robin Ogden -

The reports are out and Market Watch has just predicted that February ‘09 will show the worst job loss in 60 years.   How do you fight that? Where does that leave you?  What a hopeless headline that is!

I’m not really a huge football fan, but I do have to say that so many game challenges can apply to job search that it is important at a time like this to take a look at what a coach might tell the team.

If the team is well behind on scoring (job loss statistics) and there’s not much time left…would the coach tell the team to listen to the crowd (the media), all the naysayers in the stands?  No, the coach would tell the team to FOCUS…zone in - one step in front of the other; think ‘the plan’, follow the plan, be the plan, make the plan.  Tune out the noise and move forward.

Yes, that is hard to do these days with everyone talking about how bad the job market is, but I can tell you that I have clients who are making headway, who are landing interviews and getting offers.  So, it is happening and can happen for you too.

You’ve got to create your plan - just like a coach creates a plan to ‘win the game’.  A coach doesn’t just tell his players to head on out and make whatever play the feel like making - absolutely not!  A ‘game plan’ is crucial. Know who you are, what you want and where your knowledge and skills best fit.  Research industries that are hiring and map out your transferable skills.  Create a targeted resume, build and access your network - set a daily strategy in place and make it happen.  One foot in front of the other…focused and in the zone until you “score”.

Posted by Robin Ogden